11 Best Elliptical Machines for Low-Impact Workouts at Home

An elliptical workout is a great way to stay active when the weather isn’t great for running or you don’t feel like doing a HIIT session. “The elliptical gives you a full-body workout because of the resistance on the pedals and the handles you push with your arms,” says personal trainer Morgan Coleman. If you’re tired of walking to the gym in the rain or waiting for a free machine, having an elliptical at home can make it easier to get your daily cardio in. When shopping, think about your fitness level, what stats you want to track (like calories, distance, or heart rate), the weight limit, and the size to make sure it fits in your space. We spent hours researching and talking to experts to find the best ellipticals for every budget, so you can enjoy a solid, low-impact workout from home.

Life Fitness Elliptical Cross-Trainer

The Life Fitness elliptical is on the larger side, but it’s hands down the best overall choice for many reasons. It’s a trusted brand used in gyms worldwide, so you’ve probably used one before. It’s also great for both beginners and experienced gym-goers. With 20 resistance levels and heart rate sensors, it offers plenty of features. Fitness expert Kira Jones likes this machine for its Bluetooth compatibility with Apple Health or Fitbit, heart rate monitoring, and quiet stride. “It’s especially nice for home use if you don’t want to disturb anyone,” says Jones. “There’s also an ‘entertainment zone’ with smart streaming options that’s ergonomically placed at eye level, making it comfortable for long workouts.” The frame comes with a lifetime warranty, but the console is only covered for three years, which isn’t the best, but it’s also not the worst.

Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer

If you’re not ready to spend on a high-end model, the SF-E905 Cross Trainer is a great option. It’s compact at 28 x 17 x 57 inches and budget-friendly. It includes a digital monitor, eight resistance levels, pulse sensors, nonslip foot pedals, and wheels for easy transport and storage. While it lacks some features of pricier models (and has a lower weight limit), it still delivers a solid workout and helps burn calories. It’s perfect for beginners and easy to put together, with helpful videos available online if you need a hand.

BowFlex Max Total 16

This elliptical comes with a 16-inch adjustable HD touchscreen and free access to workouts. While users can buy a subscription for extra trainer-led JRNY sessions, it’s not required, which is a great feature. It also has Bluetooth speakers, 20 resistance levels, and is perfect for a HIIT workout. Some users mention that the setup can be tricky, so we recommend watching YouTube videos and reading the instructions carefully. This option offers great flexibility for those looking to customize their workout experience without committing to a subscription.

Body-Solid Best Fitness BFCT1 Elliptical Cross Trainer

The Best Fitness BFCT1 is a good mid-range elliptical. It has a small LED screen to show your workout stats. The foot pedals are large and comfy. It also has wheels, so you can easily move it. The arms move with you to work your abs and upper body. You can adjust the resistance with eight levels. It tracks your time, speed, calories, and distance. The handles have sensors to check your heart rate. This machine is great for beginners. It can support up to 225 pounds. It’s easy to use and set up. The BFCT1 is a budget-friendly option. It gives you a good workout with the basics you need.

NordicTrack FS10i Freestyle Trainer

If you’re looking for an elliptical with trainer-led workouts, this NordicTrack model is a great option. It has a 10-inch smart HD touchscreen for a smooth experience. You can connect via Bluetooth and it has a water bottle holder. With thousands of workouts to choose from, it’s great for any fitness level. Users say it provides an excellent workout for everyone. The setup might take a little time, but it’s worth it once it’s ready. After setup, you’ll be able to enjoy all the features. This elliptical has everything you need to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, it works for all levels.

Bowflex Max Trainer

The Bowflex M3 Max Trainer is small and fits in tight spaces. It’s 47 x 23 x 27 inches. It has a screen and easy controls. You can choose 8 resistance levels for your workout. It offers different workout options. It has a chest strap to track your heart rate. It doesn’t have many extra features, but it still works well. It’s great for cardio in small spaces. It’s easy to set up. It’s good for beginners. It’s perfect for home use. It’s simple and doesn’t take up much room.

Yosuda Stepping Elliptical Machine

The Yosuda E9 is a 3-in-1 machine: stepper, elliptical, and treadmill. It’s designed for comfort and provides low-impact workouts. The 18-pound flywheel ensures a smooth, quiet experience. The machine is affordably priced and ideal for simple cardio. One standout feature is that it doesn’t need electricity, so it’s easy to use anywhere. It’s ergonomic, which makes the workout more comfortable. However, some users have mentioned trouble reaching customer service. Despite this, it’s a great option for home exercise. Its versatility allows for different types of workouts. It’s a good choice for those who want low-impact cardio. The Yosuda E9 works well without a high cost. Its quiet operation makes it great for shared spaces. If you’re looking for a basic, efficient workout machine, it’s a solid pick.

pooboo Elliptical Machine

We really like the pooboo foldable elliptical, perfect for those with limited space or anyone who enjoys changing up their workout scenery by taking it outside. With 16 resistance levels, it’s a reliable machine that helps you add more steps whenever you need. “The monitor is simple but shows important info like time, speed, and incline. It’s also non-electric, meaning you can adjust the resistance manually, and it doesn’t need a power source,” says Jones. Some users mention the stride feels too short, but we think it works well for people up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall.

Niceday Elliptical Trainer

The Niceday Elliptical is perfect if you want to work out early or late without disturbing anyone. It’s super quiet thanks to the magnetic drive system and has a small screen that doesn’t make noise. This affordable cross-trainer has a 16-pound flywheel and 16 resistance levels for a good workout. It also has a high 400-pound weight limit, which is great for many people. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Some might find the screen too small, but it works fine for us. It’s a quiet, effective machine with good features for the price.

Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper

This elliptical is good for small spaces. It’s only 62 inches long with low pedals, so it doesn’t take up much room. The screen shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned. It still gives you a full-body workout, even though it’s small. The weight limit is 250 pounds, so it may not work for everyone. If you need a compact machine, this is a good choice. We wish the weight limit was higher. It’s great for small homes or apartments. You can still get a good workout.

Cubii Under-Desk Elliptical

The Cubii JR1 is a small elliptical that fits under most desks. It’s just 23 x 18 x 10 inches, so it’s easy to use while you work. It has wheel stoppers, a nonslip mat, and batteries for the screen. The screen tracks time, distance, and calories burned. It’s quiet, so you can work without noise. You can also use the Cubii Studio+ app for more features, but it’s not required. This machine can hold up to 250 pounds, so keep that in mind. It’s great for staying active while working. It’s perfect for small spaces and offices. You can exercise and work at the same time.

FAQ

How much should you pay for a home elliptical?

The picks on our list start at $250 and go to over $2,500, which is a pretty big price range. Deciding how much to invest depends on your fitness level, the features you want, and your budget. If you’re looking for a light workout, opt for an entry-level home elliptical with basic features like a handful of resistance settings and a digital monitor. Several quality mid-range ellipticals offer Bluetooth connectivity, incline control, and heavier flywheels, while high-end options are built for those who want the same workout they would get on a commercial-grade machine at the gym. These models usually come with bonus features like interactive personal training programs.

Is it hard to assemble an elliptical machine?
Elliptical machines can be easy or hard to set up, depending on the model. Many need simple assembly but come in big parts, which might take some time. For more expensive brands like NordicTrack, they often offer White Glove delivery, where they set it up for you. If you don’t want to deal with assembly, look for machines that come partly put together. These are easier to set up and save you time. Some brands also offer extra help with assembly, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Check for pre-assembly options when shopping to make things easier.